About Us
A Work of Heart (AWOH) was founded in June, 2008 after Dr. Audrey Boggs envisioned a center dedicated to serving the much misunderstood anxiety disorders affecting children, adolescents, young adults and families. Dr. Boggs' interest in this population began with her own experience of overcoming selective mutism and social anxiety disorder. She developed a treatment protocol for selective mutism called Selective Mutism Anxiety Reduction Therapy (SMART) and is often sought by both patients and clinicians regarding this innovative approach. Dr. Boggs is the primary treament provider for AWOH but she also refers to her professional associates, also well versed in the treatment of child and family conditions.
Through individualized and family-centered treatments, AWOH patients learn to effectively cope with difficulties, manage stress, and develop confidence when faced with a potentially anxiety-provoking situation. The center also treats other concerns relevant to infant/toddler-parent relationships, children, adolescents, young adults and families to ensure positive growth through life's transitions.
Who We Treat
Our clients are representative of the diverse Los Angeles Metropolitan Area and throughout the state of California. They include individuals seeking their own treatment, parents, professionals, community agencies and others seeking guidance for someone they have concerns about. AWOH distinguishes client as the person or entity seeking services while patient is the person receiving care. Regardless of how individuals or families find us, an identified patient is the one to whom our services are intended.
Patients receive psychological services for many reasons, including, but not limited to:
* Anxiety and stress reduction
* Attention and concentration difficulties - including Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
* Developmental concerns - including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
* Emotional regulation
* Family communication concerns or couples therapy
* Generalized anxiety or fears
* Infant-parent bonding
* Learning difficulties that interfere with academic or occupational achievement
* Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) - including obsessive thoughts with or without ritualistic behaviors
* Oppositional/defiant behavior and discipline problems
* Parenting support
* School accommodations and individualized treatment plan (IEP) support
* Selective Mutism - including the inability to speak in select social settings (e.g. school, public places)
* Separation or change anxiety
* Specific Phobias (e.g., fear of flying, claustrophobia)
* Social or performance Anxiety
* Social skills development
* Support through transitions such as moves, school and job changes or loss of loved ones
or pets
* Trauma support and coping or Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Our Service Dog
Bonnie "Love" Boggs, CGC
Bonnie was born on May 7, 2009 and was adopted in Santa Monica, CA at ten weeks of age. She is considered by Dr. Boggs to be her favorite impulse acquisition. As part of her training, Bonnie completed puppy orientation classes at Petco and graduated from Dog 1, Dog 2, Dog 3 and Dog 4 classes at Marin Humane Society. At the age of 10, after completing several tasks on a test, she obtained the designation of Canine Good Citizen (CGC) and is registered with this credential by the The American Kennel Club (AKC). She considers herself to be a fully qualified "Dogtor."
As Dr. Boggs' loyal sidekick, Bonnie has been to stores, restaurants, offices, and served as co-therapist in several appointments. She has a very special task on airplanes as a registered service animal to help manage anxiety and panic attacks. Most of the time, Bonnie just delights people and other dogs with her charming antics and tasteful fashion. She is a self-appointed alarm clock and can get a bit sassy if Dr. Boggs does not wake up on time or take sufficient breaks to tend to her needs.
Bonnie is hypoallergenic and invited to in-person sessions only when clinically appropriate and with the consent of each patient. During telehealth sessions, she likes to snooze under the desk and dream about her next walk or treat after Dr. Boggs completes her appointments. Bonnie's nose seems to "know all" yet she maintains excellent confidentiality. As you can see, she is very photogenic and a bit of a "ham" for the camera. It must be her Los Angeles roots that make her act like a celebrity.
